Tom Holland and Matt Damon Film 'The Odyssey' in Scenic Scotland

Hollywood stars Tom Holland and Matt Damon have recently been spotted filming scenes for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, 'The Odyssey,' in various picturesque locations across Scotland. This film, which adapts the ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, follows the adventures of the hero Odysseus as he strives to return home after years of war. As part of a diverse international filming schedule that includes locations in Morocco, Greece, and Sicily, Scotland has emerged as a significant backdrop for key scenes, particularly along the Moray Firth coast.

Filming commenced several weeks ago and has primarily focused on the historic coastal village of Burghead in Moray, where both actors were seen on set earlier this week. Burghead is notable for its ancient Pictish fort ruins and the local tradition of the Burning of the Clavie, a fire festival celebrated to mark the old New Year. According to local historian Dr. Ian McGregor from the University of Edinburgh, “The historical significance of Burghead adds a rich layer to the film's narrative, connecting the ancient with the modern.”

From Burghead, Holland and Damon were transported in small boats to the nearby Culbin Forest, a vast expanse of sandy beaches and salt marshes. The area has been closed to the public for several days as filming continues. Site manager Helen Stewart stated, “The film crew has been respectful of our environment, and we are excited to showcase our beautiful landscapes on the big screen.”

In addition to Burghead, filming has also taken place in the fishing port of Buckie and the ruins of Findlater Castle near Cullen, both of which contribute historical and scenic depth to the film. Furthermore, a large Viking ship, Draken Harald Hårfagre, has been moored in Inverness, adding an impressive visual element to the production. Local resident John McAllister remarked, “Seeing a Viking ship in our waters is quite extraordinary, and it fits so well with the film's theme.”

During their downtime, Holland and Damon have taken the opportunity to explore other parts of Scotland. Damon was seen enjoying a family outing at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, where he posed with a shirt from local football club Bonnyrigg Rose. Holland, along with his partner and co-star Zendaya, visited Inverness, where they were spotted enjoying coffee and ice cream at Miele’s Gelateria. The owners expressed delight at the visit, with Miele’s manager Susan Graham stating, “It was a pleasure to have such high-profile visitors, and it’s great for local business.”

Director Christopher Nolan has also been part of the local scene, attending a small cinema in Elgin to watch 'F1 The Movie,' which highlights the growing relationship between Hollywood and Scotland’s film industry. Nolan’s engagement with the local community has been positively noted by film critics and local residents alike. Film scholar Dr. Laura Penn from the University of Glasgow commented, “Nolan's choice of Scotland speaks volumes about the country's burgeoning role in global cinema.”

'The Odyssey' is slated for release in July 2024, and as filming progresses, the excitement around the project continues to build in both local and international spheres. The collaboration between Hollywood and Scottish landscapes not only highlights the beauty of the region but also has potential economic implications for local tourism and the film industry.